Authorities have decided to temporarily suspend the route permits of buses found to be operating on kerosene instead of diesel. 

The decision follows sudden inspections conducted by the Vehicle Emission Test Programme in collaboration with the National Transport Commission (NTC) at the Bastion Mawatha bus terminal in Colombo. 

The inspections focused on the roadworthiness and exhaust emissions of buses. Of the 59 buses inspected, maintenance orders were issued in respect of 39 vehicles. The special inspection operation was conducted at night, targeting buses that do not operate during daytime hours and could therefore evade routine inspections. 

The Programme conducted a separate inspection on Tuesday (22) to assess the roadworthiness of buses operating in the Kilinochchi area. The inspections are aimed at identifying buses that are unfit for operation, with a particular emphasis on passenger safety and environmental protection. The Programme is scheduled to be conducted weekly across the country in collaboration with the NTC and the Provincial Road Passenger Transport Authorities.